Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"Phew…" Adrian exhaled, tossing the last goon to the ground with a thud that completed the small, groaning pile at his feet.

All those training sessions with Ariana—and his steadily growing mana reserves—had paid off. He was getting stronger fast.

And thanks to that, these thugs hadn't even been enough to scratch him.

"Nice work. You've impressed your date," Ariana said, handing him one of the cakes. "Eat it. It's still warm."

She had watched the fight with keen eyes, noting every move. His combat skill and battlefield awareness had improved drastically since the first day they'd started training.

Back then, he was little more than a wild mess, swinging his staff and hoping for a lucky hit.

But now? He had matured. His strikes had intent. His movements had purpose.

Adrian smiled faintly and took a bite—only for his face to twist at the overwhelming sweetness.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Too sweet," he muttered through a chew. "Can't finish it." He held out the rest to her.

Her brows arched. "Oh? An attempt at an indirect kiss? How indecent."

Adrian's eyes narrowed in mock challenge. "If I really wanted to…"

He leaned in, brushing a quick kiss against her lips before she could react, then added with a smirk, "…why would I settle for something indirect?"

A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she shielded her mouth with the cake. "You're skipping steps. That's a foul."

Adrian chuckled, gently pinching her cheek. "Careful, Aria… Keep being this adorable, and I might just pin you against the wall and make you go breathless."

Ariana turned away, nibbling at the soft cake.

Adrian followed a step behind, the easy smile of contentment never leaving his face.

After that, they wandered through the lively streets with no particular destination in mind, stopping here and there to try a few things. At one point, Adrian asked casually, "Want to buy something?"

Without hesitation, she replied, "A knife?"

He had been thinking of something like a ring or a pendant. But knowing her, he didn't even argue—just chuckled and nodded, leading her toward a blacksmith's shop.

Inside, Ariana scanned the shelves with a faint frown. "Hm… not much to browse from," she murmured under her breath.

The shop owner visibly flinched. "Y-You can choose from here as well!" he blurted, hastily pulling out two extra compartments filled with knives.

Adrian gave the man a grateful nod before urging, "Go on, Aria. Pick one you like."

She picked up a sleek blade, running her thumb along its edge to test it. "Mind if I request something?" she asked without looking up.

Adrian tilted his head. "What is it?"

Ariana set the knife down and met his eyes. "Forget what happened with Ruby this morning."

Adrian blinked. "…You saying that makes me think something did happen."

With a sigh, she recounted everything that had happened before they met at the venue entrance.

He remembered catching sight of someone beside Ariana back then… now he realized it had been Ruby.

"…So that's it," Ariana said, finishing her story. "I won't force you, but she regretted it. I think you should give her another chance."

She finally made her choice and handed the knife to the shopkeeper. "I'll take this one."

Before she could reach for her coin pouch, Adrian was already paying.

She didn't stop him—it was, after all, a gift she'd asked from him.

They left the shop in silence.

The streets felt quieter now, even with the bustle around them. Adrian's thoughts lingered, heavy enough to keep him from speaking.

Eventually, Ariana broke the stillness. "Come on, don't go all quiet on me. You're making me regret even bringing her up."

"No, it's not that," he said, shaking his head. "I'm just… not sure how to face her. The moment I see her, I'll have to give an answer. And once I do… things will get awkward."

The truth was, he still needed Ruby's help. But the last thing he wanted was to use her feelings for his own benefit. And giving her false hope—that would be unfair to both Ruby and Ariana.

It was a strange, uncomfortable corner he found himself in.

Then, without a word, Ariana took his hand. She leaned her head lightly against his shoulder and whispered, "I'm lucky to have you."

Adrian glanced at her in surprise. "Why the sudden compliment?"

She looked up at him, her eyes calm but steady. "Just forget what happened this morning. I know it might sound like I don't care about my lover—but that's not it. Just trust me… and give her a second chance."

At that moment, he had no idea what was running through her mind. But he knew Ariana well enough to understand that she always thought three steps ahead.

So he simply nodded. "Alright. As you say."

°°°°°°

[Next morning]

Every student had gathered at the training ground, the air buzzing with chatter after their morning sprints and light exercises.

Elana had gone with a high ponytail today, strands pulled neatly back to frame her face. She'd even applied a touch of makeup—not enough to be obvious, but just enough to catch the eye of one particular man.

The man she adored.

I've decided it… she told herself, her heart thudding. Today, she would make an excuse—maybe a stomachache—to skip sparring and stay by his side.

Two days. It had been two whole days since she'd last spoken to him, and she wasn't going to let that streak continue.

This was her chance, and she wasn't about to let it slip.

"Professor's here," Altia murmured, and the chatter died instantly as every head turned toward the man striding across the training ground.

The students straightened into a neat line, shoulders squared, as Adrian closed the distance.

Elana, however, was completely distracted.

Fresh from the bath, he looked… unfairly good. The loose white shirt hung just right over his broad shoulders, tucked into high-waisted trousers that elongated his frame. His hair, still slightly damp, had been combed in a quick, careless sweep, and without his usual glasses, his sharp features felt almost disarming.

Haah… just make me the mother of your children already… she sighed inwardly, fighting the urge to melt on the spot.

Adrian came to a stop before them, voice smooth as he greeted, "Good morning, students."

"Morning, Professor," came the chorus in reply.

Elana was prepared to relay her excuse just when he tell them to pair up, but then,

"Today, we are going to change our training method."

The students glanced at each other, unsure of what he was saying.

However, they didn't need to wonder for long as Adrian revealed,

"You all…are going against me today. The one who lands a hit will get a special reward."

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.